Richard D. Wing

Born in Williamsville, N.Y., March 12, 1934, the son of Richard D. Sr and Ethel U. (Clement) Wing.

Richard married the former Shirley A. Smith April 4, 1953.

Richard retired as a Prudential Insurance agent, his home office was in Jamestown, he also drove school bus for the Gowanda Central School District for over 30 years. He and his wife, Shirley were members of the Gowanda Free Methodist Church for nearly 60 years, 35 of those years he taught Sunday school.

Some of the fondest memories and while reflecting on Richard’s life the family remembers his earlier years and his love for trains (he’d jump the train in Dayton to see his sweetie Shirley in Gowanda) his love for old cars, (rumor has it he’d do a little hot rod racing after dropping the kids off to a church program), boating (family outings which included water-skiing on Chautauqua Lake), bowling (he and Shirley bowled on couples leagues in Gowanda and South Dayton). He loved tractors especially John Deere and Cub Cadet. A motorcycle he enjoyed and talked about was his Indian Scout. Richard also had eating quirks, he referred to going for ice cream as having “low ice cream levels.” Circus Peanuts were also a special kind of candy he enjoyed as did his son, ark. Daughter, Sandy’s baked beans seem to hit the spot too. Shirley and Richard enjoyed going out to eat, Red Lobster seemed to be one of Richard’s favorite. Richard experienced back problems, it wasn’t unusual to find him taking a nap on the living room floor or to have the kids or the grandkids walking on grandpas back for relief. Another reflection the family shared was that Richard was a left handed pitcher for the Gowanda Merchants Baseball Team.

A good sense of humor and love of God was one of Richard’s biggest traits .

Survivors besides his loving wife, Shirley of 68 years are their children: Randy (Jackie) Wing, Sandy (Kevin) Stephens and Shari (Lisa Parker) Wing; grandchildren: Neil, Bryan, Jennifer and Lauren; great-grandchildren: Kate lynn, Charlene, Scarlett, Christopher, Thomas, Loretta and Natalie. Richard is also survived by a sister, Marilyn (late Monte) Ferry; along with several nieces and nephews; his church family and friends.

Besides his parents, Richard was preceded in death by a son, Mark R. Wing (Oct. 25, 2014); a grandson, Colton Wing (April 14, 2002); and a brother, Eugene Wing (July 9, 2010).

A celebration of life service will take place Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 11 a.m., from the Gowanda Free Methodist Church, 149 W. Main St, Gowanda, N.Y. (please assemble at church) . The family will bury Richard privately at the Cottage Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Gowanda Free Methodist Church, 149 W. Main St., Gowanda, NY 14070 or to a local charity of ones choice.

Arrangements are by the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME, 44 Center St. ,Gowanda, N.Y.